Written By Arthur Igeria
The name may have changed, but the man certainly didn’t. When we joined Nairobi School as 1st formers in 1979, we were promptly inducted into some of the unique aspects of the school’s culture.Â
One, was that we were to use only our African name.
Hence, we were introduced to him as “Mungai”.
Many of us 1st formers arrived in school clean shaven, exposing the true shape, form and all contours of our heads.
It was therefore common for some who stood out to acquire nick names such as “zinjie” (short for Zinjanthropus) and “proco” (short for proconsul), which names were easily derived from our studies in the history of the early man.
Luckily for Mungai, he was spared such a nickname, as his features were quite “normal*. However, because there were several “Mungai’s”, in order to be specific, he became “Mungai LN, and eventually he then acquired the nickname LN.
Those who he grew up with in Nairobi West called him Luka.
I think he didn’t really like that name, so in Nairobi School, he was on safe ground as the use of English names was forbidden.
So we in Nairobi School knew and called him LN.
I was privileged to be his classmate at the University of Nairobi.
Here, there were no rules regarding name use. But remember, “Luka” was not an option. So, we called him “Njoroge”, which was ultimately shortened to “Njoro”. And that is the name he went by in university.
As the “L” faded, I and several others started using his other middle name, a rather nice and unique name “Nani”. I remember constantly calling him “Njoroge Nani”.
Thus, when we started working, he acquired the name Njoroge Nani Mungai. Eventually, it became Nani Mungai. Finally, simply Nani.
Despite the different names at different stages of his life, LN remained consistent in his character and personality.
Everyone who knew him from Nairobi School can confirm that even then, he was, confident, clever, and extremely caring.
LN was so confident that as a 1st former, he was often he was mistaken for a senior student.
This was a mistake that worked well in his favor, as he escaped a lot of bullying!! Additionally, he was quite the favorite with many of the seniors in school because of this confidence.Â
This caused him to participate in daring ‘activities’ which were the topics of many a hilarious story.
LN was clever. His grades were always top! This surprised many people because often he cut the image of a happy-go lucky, boisterous, and reckless student.
But in contrast to that image he took his studies seriously. His A level marks were so high that he easily breezed from Pharmacy (which he had been admitted to study) to Law (which had an equally high pass-mark)
He was the only one in our law class who had done physics, chemistry, & biology at A levels.
If that isn’t the definition of clever, then I don’t know what is. That he was caring is a quality all who knew LN can testify to.Â
Always conscious of the needs of those who he interacted with, he selflessly availed all resources at his disposal, whether time, money, or emotional support.
As his school mates. we saw him form deep, meaningful, and life-long friendships.
LN was a great man who did amazing things in all the spheres of his life. Despite all that he espoused great humility.
He never courted attention and when he inadvertently attracted it, he quickly and tactfully deflected it. In this I learnt a valuable lesson from him as a friend, L was an integral and valued member of the “Patch 79-84 Alumni.
He made our re unions lively, His contributions in our WhatsApp group were so thought provoking that one of them has recently gone viral.
LN will be sorely missed by this group. Although he has gone too soon and too young, he made such a significant impact in the life he lived, that his was surely a life lived fully and well. His life is a great inspiration to all of us.
LN, may you rest in eternal peace, in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior.
Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
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